Merry Christmas from Rick

I got one too! I will be going to Ireland in 09. You'll love GAS (did that in 2007). Just made reservations at first and last hotel for extra days pre and post trip. Great email exchange and memory creation already started. Thanks Rick and staff. Happy Holidays to you too!

Ive bought many items from Rick in the past year but didnt get a present.I guess only those going on his tours get them so I will not be looking for mine.

Don't feel bad. We have been on 4 Rick Steves tours and we haven't got one either.

I think the DVDs only go to those who have signed up for a 2009 tour. We signed up early for the special discounts and looking forward to Ireland.

You could buy one with the money you would save by going on a trip on your own.

Robin's exactly right about that. I wouldn't dream of paying that amount of money on TOP of airfare...no matter how great it was.

I would go on a Rick Steve tour if I had that kind of money. I bet his tours are worth the money! But I travel to Europe on my own, and bought the DVD on sale for $19.95. Almost $25 with postage. Not bad! They just shipped mine yesterday, and am looking forward to seeing Rick's new shows!

My wife and I go to Europe every summer for a month and during that time take a RS tour. We travel independently either before, after, or both,of taking his tour. My wife has traveled thru Europe on her own before we starting taking RS tours in 2001. Between her experience and our own experiences, we have come to the conclusion that the price of RS tours is well worth the cost considering we get bed, food (most of it), transportation, admissions, and REAL GOOD COMPANY. We are probably middle class at best (no more) but can find ways to save money during the year to pay for our month in Europe with a RS tour. We just received our RS DVD and an accompanying letter which said it was an early holiday present for signing up for a 2009 tour. Happy Travels

I went on the RS “Paris in 7 Days” in Oct 07 - it really exceeded my expectations and I thought it was a great value for the money. I’m planning to do “Paris and Heart of France” in May 09. Check out the “tour feedback” section and see what the travelers have to say. PS – I ordered the video as a gift and then received another one in the mail (for me!).

Audrey and Donna

Have a great time on the Ireland and Heart of France. I have done both and never felt that I wasn't getting what I paid for. Next year I am going on the Best of Eastern Europe with people I met on my first tour (this will be our third together). Looking forward to watching the videos this weekend as it has been snowing all day and we are predicted to be hit with a snow "bomb" tonight.

Thanks Leslie. I too feel I get my money's worth and more! This will be my third RS tour and I'm sold on them. I have wonderful memories, new friends, and experiences to last a life time. Have fun in E. Europe. I understand it is beautiful.

Received our RS dvd and really enjoyed it. I presume we received it because of a tour we took this Spring. We've always driven ourselves all over Europe, renting a house here or there for a week and using that as a base camp. That or B&B's or the Ibis (Europe's answer to motel 6). Took a Rick Steve's tour of Greece this Spring and WOW! We would have never gotten as much out of a trip there without the great tour guides. Worth every penny. We went places and saw things we never would have found on our own. Great family run hotels, great tour guide and great local guides. Plus Rick firmly believes in supporting small local businesses etc. That said, I'd not take a RS tour of say France because I've been there alot. For someone who's not been to France or Europe in general and doesn't want to drive RS tours would be fantastic. You also meet some terrific fellow travelers. No grumps allowed!

We got ours in today's mail. We are booked for our first trip to the continent on RS 21 day Europe in June. We decided to sign up for this trip because we have read time and time again on this site that ETBD provides a a high quality tour. This is just another classy touch.
Thanks RS and ETBD.
Merry Christmas to all.

After reading the initial post from TC, I assumed he was being facetious and simply refering to Ricks new DVD set as "his present" even though he had actually purchased it. After reading a few replies though, it seems like this new DVD set actually was sent out complimentary to some people. Is that the case or am I missing something?

Damn, I've been on four of his tours and never got my copy....lol.

What gives?

I have a deposit on an 09 tour and the DVD was a gift to those who have reserved spots for 09 travel. I think people who took a tour in 08 may have received a DVD also. I too received a Am Airlines e-card. Didn't think about it until now, but RS has a new partnership with AA. I've flown AA this year and have a FF #.

Steve, it was a gift but when you consider I have already paid a deposit for an 09 tour, guess I have paid for it or will for sure. Still, thought it was a nice gesture from R/S to send it and I have enjoyed watching it.

I also got a great e-card from American Airlines which was a first.